Ralph Basil Burgess

Burgess – Ralph Basil – Passed away 1 March 2020, born 27 February 1919 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan to Basil Burgess and Thora Rasmussen. Ralph came to Vancouver in the early 1920s. He attended Point Grey Junior High and completed his Junior Matric at King George. Ralph knew a lot about the growth of Vancouver and never tired of showing his kids all the areas where he had lived, and all sorts of arcane features of a now-vanished city.

During WWII Ralph worked for North Van Ship Repairs as an electrician, repairing Allied Navy vessels and building mine-sweepers and Victory ships. He lived in Lynn Valley from the late 30s, and in 1948 married the girl from Glen Echo across the creek, Irene Tremblay. From the mid 50s to the late 70s, Ralph worked for the District of North Vancouver while he and Irene raised their family at 29th and Lonsdale. They later relocated/retired to Aldergrove, where Irene predeceased Ralph in 1992. Ralph then lived alone until 2006, when he moved to Prince Rupert. There he enjoyed Saturday BLTs at the Moby Dick and watching Jeopardy on TV. He continued to provide advice and labour with household projects into his 90s. In 2017, Ralph found himself back in Lynn Valley, and in 2020, West Vancouver.

Also predeceased by his sister Phyllis Edsell and son Paul Burgess. Very much missed by his family, son Ken (Heather) Burgess, daughter Lauri Burgess (Elizabeth Wilson), daughter-in-law Carolyn Burgess, grandchildren Ryan (Lisa)Burgess, Suzanne (Graham)Robins; Danielle, Connor, & Alison Burgess, and 4 great-grandchildren Also sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. Not to forget the cat, Sage.

Thanks to the excellent care staffs at West Van Care Centre, and Cedar Garden.